June 18, 2020
Joy Dawned Again On Easter Day,
The Sun Shone Out With Fairer Ray,
When, To Their Longing Eyes Restored
The Apostles Saw Their Risen Lord.
Though this is not the Easter season, I am prompted to think of suffering, death and resurrection today. My good friend, Gilberto, in Nicaragua has been suffering unimaginable pain from throat cancer. Then he contracted Covid while in hospital. He has lost the capacity to speak and swallow and has been in isolation. He passed away yesterday. Affectionately called El Profe, Gil was a kind and joyful servant to many, especially the poor of Nicaragua. He had a passion for the Lord as he served in leadership positions in CEPAD, the church organization I helped to found after the 1972 earthquake.
This very old hymn attributed to Ambrose of Milan in the fourth century, carries these words of comfort: from every weapon death can wield, thine own redeemed, thy people, shield. Some of the weapons death can wield are fear, isolation, anger, guilt and regret. I trust that Gilberto had no regrets and was not angry as he approached the end, but inevitably the feeling of isolation and aloneness must have accompanied him. Thankfully, his good wife, Damaris, was present and David Parajon was attending to him with tender care as a doctor and friend. Gilberto knew of the host of prayers being offered for his good and peaceful passing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Z1e7A83s4
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